ALLEGED PLOT

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21178, 30 July 1940, Page 5

ALLEGED PLOT

FRENCH EX-MINISTERS CHARGES AT TRIAL DENIAL BY BRITAIN (Official Wireless) (Received July 30, 11 a.m.) RUGBY, July 29 Reports from Vichy indicate that M. Mandel, former French Minister of the Interior, who is being tried at Meknes, in French Morocco, is accused of attempting to communicate with Mr A. Duff-Cooper, Britsh Minister of Information, and Viscount Gort against the interests of France. The facts relating to the visit of the British Minister to North Africa were made known in authoritative circles in London this morning. Certain distinguished French statesmen were in North Africa after the collapse of France, and Mr DuffCooper. who knew them personally, accompanied by Viscount Gort, flew to see them. On their arrival the local authorities communicated to them that their visit would be unwelcome to the French statesmen concerned, whereupon they immediately returned to England without having any communications with the French Ministers. Trial for War Guilt The French Minister of Justice has recommended a special court to try leaders for war guilt. The magistrates will be “chosen , for his political independence.” Those arraigned will include M. Daladier, Marshal Gamelin, M. Reynaud, M. Blum, M. Cot, M. Lachambre and M. Mandel, but M. Mandel is the only one likely to face a charge carrying a death penalty. The others face detention for life.